Kyowa Hakko Bio’s citicoline aids memory function in elderly, study finds

29 Jun 2021 --- Citicoline could increase composite memory and specifically episodic memory within the elderly population, according to new research by the Kirin Central Research Institute of Kirin Holdings.

It examined Kirin Holdings’ subsidiary Kyowa Hakko Bio’s citicoline ingredient. Citicoline is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that aids in maintaining cell membranes in the brain and nerve cell membranes.

“As a medicine, citicoline is already available in the market, and there are many research results. However, as a food, we conducted this research to confirm its effects on healthy people,” Ataka Takashima in the corporate communication department of Kirin Holdings tells NutritionInsight.

Citicoline potential
“Citicoline increases an important substance in the brain called phosphatidylcholine that supports healthy brain function. Therefore, citicoline is also especially vital to brain health,” Dr. Eri Nakazaki, lead researcher at the Kirin Central Research Institute, explains.

The data from this analysis implies that 500 mg per day of citicoline may be safe and potentially beneficial against memory loss due to aging, Nakazaki adds.

Previously, a study found that the consumption of phosphatidylcholine is linked to a lower probability of developing dementia.

Impact on memory
The study aimed to look at the effects of citicoline on memory in healthy older people with age-associated memory impairment (AAMI).

During a twelve-week intervention period, 100 healthy men and women between the ages of 50 to 85 years old were evaluated as part of this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.The results indicate that daily intake of citicoline is advantageous and may be safe and effective in preventing age-related memory loss.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a 500 mg dose of citicoline or a placebo, with standardized computerized assessments used to assess memory skills at baseline and the end of the intervention.

The between-group analysis indicated that the changes from baseline scores were statistically significantly different between test groups for paired associates.

The result for episodic memory and composite memory was investigated, which was the outcome for overall memory. The citicoline group demonstrated more significant improvements in these tests than the placebo group.

During the 12-week research, no serious adverse events were observed after daily use of citicoline.

Brain health in focus
Cognizin Citicoline, a proprietary version of Citicoline developed by Kyowa Hakko Bio, is a cognitive mental supplement for athletes, gamers and students.

Modern consumers’ fast-paced lifestyles drive demand for products that can promote brain health while also improving cognition and mood.

Innova Market Insights’ data reveals that nootropics are gaining traction in both the dietary supplement and the broader food and beverage markets, with particular “nootropic” claims growing at a rate of 62 percent per year on average between 2016 and 2020.

Memory, mental focus, alertness, clarity, performance, stamina, antistress, anxiolytic, calming and relaxing effects are among the other significant claims.

By Nicole Kerr